Description

This study evaluates the economic desirability of accelerated roadbuilding for access to old-growth timber on a unit of the Umpqua National Forest in Oregon. As of 1966, four accelerated roadbuilding alternatives were found economically inferior to the then current rate of construction. Only in the case of substantial, continuing inflation were projected rates of return on investment for accelerated roadbuilding above G percent compound interest.

The inclusion of nontimber benefits and costs, changes in price and cost levels since 1966, and recent improvements in logging technology do not appear to alter this study's results appreciably.

Combined with the results of recent, published studies, the findings on the North Umpqua suggest that accelerated roadbuilding is not an attractive investment opportunity for National Forests in the Douglas-fir region.